Living in Schenectady, New York
Cost of living, income, home prices, rent and demographics of Schenectady · Census data 2020–2024
Schenectady has 68,847 residents with a median age of 36.1. The median household income is $58,399 (32% lower than the New York median), the median home value is $168,800, the median rent is $1,145/month.
Schenectady at a glance
- Population
- 68,847
- Median age
- 36.1State: 39.8
- Median household income
- $58,399State: $85,974
- Median home value
- $168,800State: $423,800
- Median rent
- $1,145/moState: $1,621
- Homeowners
- 45.6%
- Bachelor's degree or higher
- 25.4%
- Average commute
- 22 min
Is Schenectady a good place to live?
Pros: Home values 60% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes.
Cons: Median household income 32% lower than the New York median; unemployment of 8.7%; a poverty rate of 23.8%.
The weather is best in May–June and August–September.
Cost of living in Schenectady
Housing is the biggest part of the cost of living. In Schenectady the median home value is $168,800, 49% lower than the U.S. median. Renters pay a median of $1,145 per month, which is 35.8% of household income. Homeowners with a mortgage pay $1,596 a month in housing costs.
Schenectady median household income
The median household income in Schenectady is $58,399 and the income per person is $34,175. 23.8% of residents live below the poverty line (New York: 14%).
Housing in Schenectady: homes for sale and rent
- Housing units
- 31,417
- Owner-occupied
- 45.6%
- Renter-occupied
- 54.4%
- Vacant
- 7.1%Includes seasonal homes
- Median year built
- 1941
- Average household size
- 2.22
Schenectady demographics
- Population
- 68,847
- Median age
- 36.1
- Under 18
- 19.9%
- 65 and older
- 15.1%
- Households
- 29,184
- Foreign-born
- 14.6%
- Veterans
- 4.7%Adults 18+
Hispanic or Latino can be of any race. Population history of Schenectady ›
Education in Schenectady
25.4% of adults 25 and older in Schenectady have a bachelor's degree or higher (New York: 40.2%), and 10.1% have a graduate or professional degree.
Jobs and commute in Schenectady
- Unemployment rate
- 8.7%State: 6.4%
- Average commute
- 22 minState: 33 min
- Work from home
- 10.9%
- Drive alone
- 67.3%
- Public transit
- 6.5%
- Walk to work
- 4.7%
- Homes with broadband
- 86.1%
Schenectady vs nearby towns
| Town | Population | Median income | Home value | Rent |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Schenectady | 68,847 | $58,399 | $168,800 | $1,145 |
| Niskayuna | 21,227 | $134,052 | $357,900 | $1,589 |
| Rotterdam | 22,695 | $85,887 | $214,400 | $1,278 |
| Scotia | 7,264 | $76,525 | $189,900 | $1,031 |
| East Glenville | 11,914 | $96,588 | $296,200 | $1,470 |
| Clifton Knolls-Mill Creek | 3,349 | $188,750 | $386,200 | — |
| Colonie | 7,702 | $103,983 | $285,400 | $1,570 |
| Clifton Gardens | 2,420 | $57,245 | $316,300 | $1,380 |
| Westmere | 8,334 | $88,378 | $313,400 | $1,629 |
More for people moving to Schenectady
Schenectady ZIP code ›Weather and climate ›Living in Schenectady: FAQ
What is the median household income in Schenectady, NY?
The median household income in Schenectady is $58,399, 32% lower than the New York median of $85,974 (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
What is the average home price in Schenectady?
The median home value in Schenectady is $168,800, compared with $423,800 in New York.
How much is rent in Schenectady?
The median gross rent in Schenectady is $1,145 per month, about 35.8% of household income.
Is Schenectady, NY a good place to live?
Pluses: home values 60% lower than the state median; an average commute of 22 minutes. Minuses: median household income 32% lower than the New York median; unemployment of 8.7%; a poverty rate of 23.8%.
What is the median age in Schenectady?
The median age in Schenectady is 36.1 years (New York: 39.8).
How long is the commute in Schenectady?
The average commute to work in Schenectady is 22 minutes; 10.9% of workers work from home.
What is the unemployment rate in Schenectady?
The unemployment rate in Schenectady is 8.7% (U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024).
How educated is Schenectady?
25.4% of adults in Schenectady have a bachelor's degree or higher.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 5-year estimates 2020–2024 (margins of error apply, especially in small towns). Figures are in 2024 dollars.
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